Figure 1 shows a compilation of step length versus step width data for strike-slip faults (de Joussineau and Aydin, 2009). These authors interpreted the trend as linear power law. Self similarity of strike-slip fault steps with pull-aparts and pushups was previously proposed by (Aydin and Nur, 1982) based on a data set less extensive than that used in Figure 1. This notion was also supported by experimental data (Otsuki and Dilan, 2005). The underlying mechanism responsible for this scaling relationship is thought to be fault interaction (see Aydin and Schultz, 1990).

Figure 1. Step length versus step width for strike-slip faults in a wide range of scales. The trend was interpreted as nearly linear power law. From de Joussineau and Aydin (2009).